What happens when you throw a big legal marijuana party in Seattle?

4/20, a marijuana holiday of sorts, was celebrated in Seattle for the first time since pot was legalized by Washington voters. The state is still working on rules for growing and distribution of legal pot.
Nick Villejo of Refine and Jared Smith smoke marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

4/20, a marijuana holiday of sorts, was celebrated in Seattle for the first time since pot was legalized by Washington voters. The state is still working on rules for growing and distribution of legal ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants walk past the outdoor smoking tent during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants walk past the outdoor smoking tent during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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From left, Sam Carroll, Ross Skocilich, Aubrey McMillan and Sam LaQuet of Trees Collective work their booth during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

From left, Sam Carroll, Ross Skocilich, Aubrey McMillan and Sam LaQuet of Trees Collective work their booth during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Nathan Chrysler of DOPE Magazine hoists a container with the winning number of votes for the people's choice marijuana strain during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Nathan Chrysler of DOPE Magazine hoists a container with the winning number of votes for the people's choice marijuana strain during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Rachel Rensvold of Meditiva works at her booth during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Rachel Rensvold of Meditiva works at her booth during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Candy with BHO extract is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Candy with BHO extract is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Brock Marvel works on glass art during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Brock Marvel works on glass art during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Employees of The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens show some of the product during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Employees of The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens show some of the product during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants play with a balloon during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants play with a balloon during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Mothership glass is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Mothership glass is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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A performer takes the stage during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

A performer takes the stage during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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T-shirts are sold during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

T-shirts are sold during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana from The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana from The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Kevin Mooney and Kevin Weeks of Green Light Collective hoist their DOPE Cup award for the best edibles during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Kevin Mooney and Kevin Weeks of Green Light Collective hoist their DOPE Cup award for the best edibles during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants vaporize marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants vaporize marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Aerial silk performer Kimberly Badgett performs during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Aerial silk performer Kimberly Badgett performs during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana from Trees Collective is weighed during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana from Trees Collective is weighed during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants smoke vaporized marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants smoke vaporized marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Glass artists create art during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Glass artists create art during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants hang out during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants hang out during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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THC-infused gummy bears are shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

THC-infused gummy bears are shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana from the Greenworks cooperative is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana from the Greenworks cooperative is shown during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana is vaporized during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana is vaporized during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Performer Cherry Sur Bete looks in the mirror before going on stage during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Performer Cherry Sur Bete looks in the mirror before going on stage during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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A potential customer smells the product from Trees Collective during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

A potential customer smells the product from Trees Collective during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Aerial silk performer Kimberly Badgett performs during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Aerial silk performer Kimberly Badgett performs during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Chad, left, and Phil, right, of Greenworks Collective, are awarded the People's Choice award during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Chad, left, and Phil, right, of Greenworks Collective, are awarded the People's Choice award during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Popcorn for people with the munchies is prepared during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Popcorn for people with the munchies is prepared during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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A participant wears a smoking mask during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

A participant wears a smoking mask during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Marijuana from The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Marijuana from The Healing Leaf collective in Lake Stevens is show during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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Participants smoke vaporized marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the largest local marijuana celebration since pot was legalized by Washington voters. (Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) less

Participants smoke vaporized marijuana during "Studio 4/20," a legal marijuana celebration put on by DOPE Magazine at 7 Point Studios on April 20, 2013 on South Dearborn Street. The event billed itself as the ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / SEATTLEPI.COM

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What happens when you throw a big legal marijuana party in Seattle?

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Our culture’s great collective marijuana fear was realized last night in Seattle … and nothing happened. No federals. No mayhem. No protests or arrests … no melee … just a carnival like atmosphere with stage shows, games and venders and pot.

Well, okay, a whole heck of a lot of marijuana was vaped and smoked by medical marijuana patients, as well as anyone who brought their own. But other than that, the great 4/20 cannabis free-for-all put on by Dope Magazine last night in the Sodo hood seemed pretty darn harmless.

One Seattle police cruiser (that I saw) came by, gave the area a once over and moved on. Apparently, the other big 4/20 event in Seattle put on by the organizers of Hempfest, went off without a hitch as well.

Doing the 4/20

The internationally recognized day for openly partaking of cannabis, April 20, gave rise to pretty big events primarily in Colorado and Washington.

About 80,000 people gathered at Denver’s Civic Center Park as they celebrated Colorado voters’ decision to legalize the recreational use of cannabis last November, according to Yohoo’s The Lookout blog.

“This is what freedom smells like,” attorney Rob Corry told the crowd, as he counted down the moments until 4:20pm CT, at which point literally thousands of people simultaneously exhaled marijuana smoke into the air, creating a haze that was visible for blocks away.

In addition to that event, the iconic pro-marijuana magazine “High Times” sponsored the US Cannabis Cup. The magazine called it “a chance for the cannabis industry and the activist community to meet and make our presence even more dynamic.”

In Seattle …

The winners of “The Dope Cup,” a marijuana competition put on by Dope Magazine (a medical marijuana magazine in its 15 month of pumping out a monthly issue), were announced last night.

Best edibles: Green Light Collective (brownies).

THC concentrate: Rainier Xpress

CBD concentrate: Dr. J’s

Highest THC flower: Greenworks

Highest CBD flower: Solstice

Judge’s Choice: Greenworks

People’s Choice: Greenworks

How do you judge the quality of marijuana?

“The smell tells the story of a healthy garden,” one citizen judge said. “If it’s from a good healthy garden, then there’s a strong odor.”

“I’m not judging the high,” another said, “but the quality of taste and smell.”

Historic event?

Dope magazine put on a similar event last year, said Nathan Chrysler, one of the magazine’s owners. They sold 300 tickets to medical marijuana patients and didn’t have general admittance.

Nathan Chrysler, an owner of Dope Magazine and organizer of “Seattle’s largest 420 party.” (Photo by Jake Ellison)

But after the passage of I-502 and the legalization of possession of up to an ounce of pot, the group decided to throw open the doors to all comers (willing to pay to get in, that is). As long as a person didn’t try to get in the door with too much weed or little packets of weed – a dead give away they might sell it – they could bring it on in.

“We’re all here witnessing history,” Chrysler said.

The organizers expected between 300 to 400 people with medical cards and another 1,000 or so for general admission.

To make sure the first big, open event in Seattle went well, Dope Magazine sprang for 14 security guards, had colored bands for admittance into restricted areas and sold only beer.

There was a smoking tent … yes, it was completely filled with pot smoke and vapers.

The smoking tent at Dope Magazine’s 4/20 party in Seattle. (Photo by Jake Ellison)

There were areas inside for vaporizing (heating up the marijuana flower or concentrate nearly to combustion temperatures and inhaling the vapor). And, if you had an medical marijuana card, you could get into an area where pot was for sale in many forms.

Then there was a main stage for a fashion show …

And dancing by the “Lady Dudes” as well as other stage shows.

The future is here

“My bother is a grower, and now that the law has passed, he has to use competitive brand strategies like you would for any traditional business,” said Brent Beckett, a brand consultant from New Hampshire.

Beckett was manning a table with T-shirts for sale and a deal: Buy one of the T-shirts and you’d get a ticket for two free grams of marijuana at his brother’s shop (TKO Organics) … which you can only use if you’re a medical marijuana patient.

“My brother’s been out here telling me there’s going to be a big booming market,” Beckett said. But the growers don’t know much about branding and marketing.